"We're here." The screams of two teenage girls filled the foyer. I took off the apron and made my way to the living room."Hey sis." James greeted. He was standing in a corner, away from the girls with a bag draped over his shoulder."Sister-in-law!""Lilian!" Rose and Christie shouted simultaneously, running to hug me. I was knocked back by the impact of the force but managed to regain my stance."Hey girls." I kissed both of them on the cheek. Lucas came in with their bags and took them upstairs to the corridor."I missed you so much." Christie cried out, wrapping her arms around me and pushing Rose aside."Hey! She's also my sister." Rose exclaimed."Let me show you to your room." I smiled, leading them upstairs."Can Rose and I stay in the same room?" Christie asked after I assigned James the room beside Byron's."If you'd like." I showed them to the room beside mine. "When you're all settled in, come downstairs for dinner. It's in thirty minutes.""Hold on, sis. Where's my brothe
I didn't doubt HIS capabilities in getting information. He was an expert in this field, he could dig up information on someone's ancestry if I asked. He ran a background check on Lilian before but that was only basic information, things in the present not some buried past.Whatever happened to Lilian before, I trust him to find out. I mean he hasn't failed me before. After settling everything at the hotel, it was already late so I headed home.I was expecting to be greeted by Rose's loud voice at the door but it was silent when I came in. A little unusual, weren't they here yet?Then I saw Lilian descending the steps. She had a little smile on her face and looked better than she did this morning. That was good. "Lilian." I called. She paused at the call and faced me. "Hi. When did you get back?" She asked. "Not long ago." I loosened my tie, though I wore suits all day, I still found it stifling sometimes. "Are the kids here yet?" I took off my jacket. "Yes. They arrived not long
Waking up in Byron's bed was strange. Strange but nice. It meant I was comfortable enough with him. I was also glad I didn't have a nightmare. That'd have been a disaster.Ever since the incident, I had not been this close with the male gender, well except Nathan. I was awake for a while but didn't want to face him, not after my wild thoughts yesterday. I felt a light touch on my face which must have been the wind.I heard the bed creak as Byron probably got out of bed. I mustered the courage to open my eyes and met an empty bed. I took the opportunity to look around his room.It looked prim and proper with everything in place, just as I expected from him. There were a few books on a shelf beside his vanity mirror, other than that, the room was sparsely furnished.The door to Byron's closet opened and I heard his footsteps in the room."Good morning." I greeted him. He was fully dressed and looked ready for work."Morning. I hope you had a good night's sleep." He responded."Yeah I d
Contrary to what I thought, I actually had a good night's sleep. I was so tired that the dim light didn't bother me as much as I thought it would have and I soon fell into oblivion. I woke up the next morning without an alarm. I set alarms but usually wake up before them. No matter how tired I was, my biological clock made me wake up at 6am or even earlier everyday.I gingerly opened my eyes to welcome the light in the room. I stared at the ceiling for awhile trying to wake myself up completely. Then I heard the soft breathing from my side. I almost forgot Lilian was right next to me.Judging from the creases on the bed, she didn't seem to move around a lot in her sleep. She had flipped over and unlike last night, her back was no longer facing me.I rested my head on my pillow and found myself staring at her. There were no expressions on her face, her pink lips were pressed in a thin line. Strands of hair had escaped from her ponytail, scattering on her forehead. I looked closer at th
"Can we eat out tonight, please?" The girls pleaded. We were closed for the day and the only thing I wanted to do after today's hard work was to eat one of Lucia's delicacies and get warm under my blanket.But the girls had other plans.My workers stared at our family drama and waited with bated breath for my reply. I was forced to oblige to their wishes."Fine, I'll call the driver now."I said resignedly, picking up my phone."Actually," Rose said, "can Byron join us? Since we won't be cooking this night and James won't be home. I don't want my brother to starve to death.""He can't starve to death because he missed one meal." Christie countered."Who told you?" Rose said."That's enough!" I almost shouted. "No one is going to starve to death."This shut them up. I didn't know two people could be so similar. It's probably not the best trait in a friendship.They had been on their best behavior all day and kept out of my way but immediately the sun began to set, they'd been bickering
I locked up the file in the safe in my office. I made a quick call "Find them" I said coldly through gritted teeth. He must have expected me to request that of him as he replied "Already on it""When you find them, bring them to the place. I would like to chat with them" my message was passed across so I hung up. I drank a cup of water to calm the fire raging in me. By the time I dropped the cup, my expression was once again tranquil. I had to keep my cool, I was going to see Lilian and the girls soon, it wouldn't be great if I let anything slip.As I walked into the store I heard Lilian's voice scolding "....I told you not to behave this way when I'm at work. Did you see how my workers were staring at you guys?"She didn't need to deal with this right now or with them. Maybe I shouldn't have allowed them come."Did they do something?" I asked drawing attention to myself."You're here, babe." She called, a smile on her face as she dropped a feather like kiss on my cheek. "They didn
"Be back in the next two hours so we can go home before your siblings are back from school." A young woman named Violet said, sweeping her brown hair off her face. "Don't bring up your parents and siblings with the kids." She warned.Eleven year old Isla groaned as she packed her books into her school bag. "You tell me this everyday mum. You should know that I'm great with the children by now." She said."Being careful is never enough." Violet smiled, kissing her on the forehead. Isla had been waiting all week to visit the orphanage but her mum had insisted that she waited till the weekend.She had managed to convince her mum to let her visit on a Friday, though as she was a strong-willed little girl."Bye mum. See you soon." She told her as she ran off to look for someone to make happy.Ever since the first time she'd visited the orphanage, she'd decided that she wanted to be like her mum whose life motto was to give hope to the hopeless and to put a smile on the faces of kids who
After Lilian and I's heart to heart the other night, there wasn't a drastic change in our relationship. For one, we didn't have time to be around each other as we were both immersed in our work. When we were around the kids, we kept up the happy couple act. When we were all by ourselves, it was honestly awkward. We've been so used to ignoring each other that any other action was weird.One notable difference was taking the initiative to check up on one another. I mean, she still hesitates a little when I inquire about her wellbeing at least she doesn't think I have an ulterior motive anymore.It was still strange sharing a room, especially the bed. I still stopped to stare at the once empty cabinets and drawers now occupied with her things.Looking at my room that now had her traces everywhere made me feel warm. Just like that two days passed. I was tense for those two days, glancing at my phone at every chance I got. The radio silence from the other side was very off putting but al
⟩⟩ Two years later ⟩⟩"...Happy birthday to you." They sang, rounding up the birthday chorus.Lilian was all smiles as she hugged each member of her family and friends.All her loved ones were present and she couldn't have been happier."Thank you all for celebrating this joyous occasion with me. I'm grateful to have you all as my family." She said, holding her glass of juice.Byron wrapped his arm around her waist as he lifted his wine glass. "Let's toast to Lilian. Thanks for being an amazing wife, amazing sister, amazing friend, amazing boss and last but not least, an amazing mother. We are all lucky to have you in our lives. Cheers to a long life filled with happiness."Everyone raised their glasses as they cheered Lilian on."Hey sis, the girls are awake. Can I feed them?" Christie shouted from up the stairs."Bring them downstairs, Nina wants to play with her grandkids." Lilian replied. A few minutes later, she and Rose came down the stairs, carrying my girls.Byron walked towar
The fact that I went through a near death experience and was in a coma for over a week and I was entirely clueless about it is crazy but at the same time scary. I would have remained oblivious if I died. Oblivious to the pain of my loved ones, oblivious to my own death.I was beyond surprised to find out I had a heart transplant. I still felt weak from time to time as my body was adjusting to this new organ but there was a notable difference. I was put under observation and had to undergo different examinations. It was nice to hear that I'll be making a full and steady recovery and I was healing up nicely. The moment Kayla saw me, she burst into tears before hugging me. "Do you know how frightened I was? I really was so scared" I patted her back to comfort her. "I'm sorry"She pulled away from my hug looking at my face her eyes rimmed with tears. "Never do that to me again or else I'll never forgive or talk to you again." she threatened."This would be the first and the last time" I
The bright light was beckoning to me but the darkness felt more comforting. That's why I chose to stay here.Until I heard their voices.It felt like years since I last heard anything but now I heard them clearly."Be in good spirits. She won't like to see you guys moping around like this." It was Rose that spoke and though I could hear the sorrow in her voice, she seemed to be trying to cheer them up.I wonder why they are sad."I will get to decorating the room. She should wake up to a beautiful sight." It was Christie that spoke this time."With as minimal noise as possible please, I'm nursing a headache." Byron's strained voice let out.‘Hey guys.’ I said, happy to hear from them. I didn't realize how much I missed them and if going into the light and leaving my comfort zone meant I could see them, then I will.No one replied me and there was silence which I didn't like."I think she likes purple. James, help us pump up some purple balloons." Rose said again, breaking the deafenin
A week. 7days. 168 hours. 1080 minutes.When looking at it, a week doesn't look that long yet a lot can happen in just one week.It's been a week since Regina's scandals were strategically released into the world. It's been a week since Abel took control of Hetero hotels and has been managing it's affairs with the same vigour as his predecessor.A week since Hotel owner Aldridge Sharp's branches of hotels were raided and put under investigation for trafficking and possession of drugs and forced prostitution with other illegal activities. A week since Byron smiled, ate or functioned properly.It was during this week that the search for a heart for Lilian came to an end and she had the heart transplant done.During this week when the family waited outside the operating theatre with bated breath and anxious minds for 11 hours during Lilian's surgery. During this week when the family was greeted with the good news of Lilian's successful surgery.It's been 604800 seconds and counting si
Dr Miller rushed in to the hospital and after speaking with the doctor in charge, he was directed to Lilian's room.All the Bladells were present including some people he didn't know. They all stood in the hallway, pacing, none of them daring to sit down.When Byron sighted Dr Miller, he stood up straight and walked towards him, meeting him halfway."I came on the next available flight. How's she?" Dr Miller asked. Byron sighed and bowed, his eyes trained on the ground."She's no better. Please, go and see her. You know her history more than these doctors." Byron pleaded, ushering him towards the room. "I'll be right out." Dr Miller replied, patting his back as he greeted the family and went in.Everyone waited with bated breath for him to come back out and after a while, the door was opened and he stepped out.Dr Miller cleared his throat in preparation to address the family, his eyes meeting with Byron's as he confirmed if he could tell them.Byron nodded in reply."Everything the
Byron was granted access to stay in the room with Lilian provided he kept a distance from her. He agreed hastily and went to join her in the room.She looked so peaceful that if not for the injuries on her body, she'd have looked like she was asleep. Byron sat on the chair opposite her bed and watched the slow rising and falling of her chest which gave him a bit of relief.His mind still reeled with possibilities of what could have happened. If he hadn't acquiesced her and had just taken his car, she wouldn't be in this situation.He had his men out looking for both Lucas and Regina. Though he expected it from Regina, Lucas was one of his most trusted workers. The man had been with him for over four years and he had proven worthy of being trusted over the years. Byron was definitely not letting them go scot-free.Though he felt tired and sleepy as it was already late in the night when the doctor allowed him in, the beeping of the heart monitor couldn't allow him sleep."I just found
According to Byron's wishes, Lilian was moved to a private room and was still under strict supervision. It wasn't until a few hours later were people allowed to see her."Two at a time" the nurse instructed. "You shouldn't crowd her and please be quiet." Before the nurse could finish giving her instructions, Byron already rushed into the room.The room had a warm light giving it a calming ambiance. The windows were shut with the blinds closed not allowing any outside air to invade the sterile room. Like it was a sealed space. In the middle of the room laid Lilian, at least what looks like Lilian.She was a sight to behold. She had a gauze wrapped around her head for her head injury. Her face was covered in different cuts and bruises making her skin purple, red and blue. Her arm had a cast. You could pretend she was sleeping if not for all the wires and tubes connected to her and the beeping of the heart monitor.Byron stopped at the door. Just hearing about her injuries scared him, se
It'd been a while since Byron was this disoriented. He didn't know what to do but hope and pray that his Lilian came out alive.Irene came running down the hallway, her footsteps loud as it was quite quiet."How's she?" Irene breathed out, sounding very out of breath.Byron shook his head in reply."No news?" She asked to which he nodded in reply, putting his head in his palms. "I dismissed the shareholders and explained that an emergency came up, though they weren't very happy that you left without saying anything."Byron didn't say anything, his gaze fixated on the doors of the operating room. After a moment of silence, Byron turned to face Irene."Could you call my parents and let them know Lilian has been in an accident? It's only a while before the press finds out about it."Irene nodded sharply and whipped out her phone to call the Bladells. Nina picked up on the second ring. "Hi, Irene. What's the occasion? You never call me." Irene could hear the slight accusing tone in her c
Irene wasn't thinking as she barged into the conference room. The discussions stopped at her interruption but they didn't say anything and instead looked on to Byron to handle the situation.Byron was surprised to see Irene was the cause of the intrusion. Irene had been a diligent worker for years and she knew the rules better than anyone and followed them religiously. He wondered what caused her to act out of line."I'm sorry for interrupting." She apologized going to Byron's side. "Sir, could you step out for a minute. It's an emergency." She whispered. "Can't it wait?" He asked."I'm afraid not sir" If it was someone else Byron would have asked more questions but he heard urgency and panic in Irene's usually monotone voice."One moment." He stepped out of the conference room with Irene."What's the matter?" He questioned Irene."Sir, it's Mrs.. I mean Lilian, she was in an accident and.." Irene almost burst into tears."Which hospital!" Byron asked, immediately Irene told him the